Exercise and Sport Science

About the Major

This major is designed for students who are interested in pursuing employment in the field of Exercise and Sport Science. Students completing the required core courses in the major will be able to implement preventative health programs in private, corporate, commercial, and community settings. The major also prepares interested students for graduate work in exercise physiology, exercise science, sport medicine, kinesiology, physical therapy, or athletic training.

The Exercise and Sport Science major can be completed with the designated core courses or students may also choose to complete the optional track in psychology. The major has been designed to address the knowledge, skills, and abilities recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for certification by ACSM as Personal Trainer, Health/Fitness Instructor or Exercise Specialist. The ACSM certifications require that students hold a related undergraduate degree in a health and fitness curriculum as well as successful completion of an examination that includes both written and practical components.

What is Unique About Our Program...

There are two components to the major, the Summit Health Articulation Agreement and the Eden Hall Fitness Center, that add unique additional opportunities for students in the major.

Summit Health Articulation Agreement

In December of 1999, Wilson sealed an agreement with Summit Health (Chambersburg Hospital, Waynesboro Hospital, Results Fitness and Physical Therapy) to work together to implement the Exercise and Sport Science Major. This agreement makes available to Wilson students, all of the human, professional, and technical resources of Summit Health. It also provides opportunities for students to volunteer or intern with any of the many departments. We have utilized this articulation agreement to provide speakers and to observe physical, respiratory, cardiac and occupational therapists. Specialists in diabetes education, women’s health issues, nutrition, resistance training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac and respiratory rehabilitation, regularly make presentations to our majors. As part of the laboratory component of the ESS 220 and 222, students also visit many of the departments.

As part of ESS 320 “Administrative Aspects of Exercise and Sport Science”. ESS majors designed a survey which they conduct every other year. The survey was developed at the request of Summit Health, to poll local (within 30 miles) fitness centers regarding their staff, programs and facilities. This information is collated and sent to Summit Health where the information is formatted and made available to all physicians in the area to use as a reference for referral of their patients.

The Eden Hall Fitness Center opened its doors in the Fall of 2002. One of the objectives for the center was to provide a laboratory opportunity for students in the major where they would have first-hand experience in running a fitness center. All majors work or volunteer in the fitness center. Senior majors supervise and run the center with the assistance of the ESS faculty. Majors gain experience in scheduling and in-service training staff, running promotional or thematic programs, designing bulletin boards, researching topics for bulletin board displays, inventorying, screening, testing and designing exercise programs. This is a very large experiential component of the major.

Course Requirements

Introduction to cell anatomy and organismal biology. The five kingdoms
of life are surveyed, emphasizing distinguishing features and
lifestyles. In-depth study of major organ systems of multicellular
animals. Emphasis on principles underlying living organisms, problems
they face and solutions that have evolved. Designed as first of two
semesters of a general survey. Three hours lecture; three hours
laboratory. NSL

Introduction to biochemistry, molecular cell biology and cell
energetics. Genetics covered in relation to molecular mechanisms,
population biology and evolutionary theory. Survey of botany, including
anatomy and physiology of plants. Introduction to ecological principles,
including ecosystem organization; interaction of biotic and abiotic
factors; and the biosphere. Prerequisite: 101. Three hours lecture;
three hours laboratory. NSL

Analysis of the physiological mechanisms of the vertebrate organism,
from the cellular to the organismic level. All major organ systems are
studied with emphasis on normal functions and their controls. Laboratory
study and demonstrations of basic physiological parameters.
Prerequisite: 102. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

A detailed study of nutrition and health, with emphasis on metabolic
pathways and relationships between nutritional intake and normal and
pathological changes in the human organism. Recommended for students
interested in the health professions. Prerequisite: 102. NS

The first semester of a two-semester sequence intended for students
majoring in the sciences. The course focuses on the study of atomic
structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry, energy, bonding and coordination
chemistry. The laboratory work reinforces lecture topics. Prerequisite:
concurrent enrollment in MAT 103 or placement above MAT 103. High
school chemistry or an introductory chemistry course is strongly
recommended. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

The continuation of General Chemistry I with emphasis on solutions,
kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, thermodynamics and
electrochemistry. The laboratory work reinforces lecture topics and
includes qualitative analysis. Prerequisites: CHM 101 and MAT 103. Three
hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

The first course of a two-semester sequence that introduces structure,
bonding and reactivity of organic (carbon-based) compounds. The lecture
focuses on properties and reactivity of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes,
alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, with an emphasis on reaction mechanisms
and stereochemistry. The laboratory introduces basic purification and
synthetic techniques, and analytical methods including polarimetry, IR
and NMR spectroscopy. Prerequisite: 102. Three hours lecture; three
hours laboratory. NSL

A continuation of CHM 201 with an added emphasis on molecules with
biological importance. The lectures include a discussion of carboxylic
acids and their derivatives, enolates, aromatics, amines, lipids,
carbohydrates and amino acids. The laboratory work includes more
advanced synthetic methods and an independent research project.
Prerequisite: 201. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. NSL

Basic instruction in the concepts and techniques in the prevention,
diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Students
will receive certification in CPR, first aid and AED. Three hours
lecture, three hours lab.

Assessment and development of the basic components of physical fitness.
Discussion of the principles of exercise prescription based on current
practices in the field of exercise science, physiology, medicine and
physical education. Three hours lecture, three hours lab.

Principles of exercise prescription for individuals with acute or
chronic health problems. Discussion of exercise testing and prescription
for individuals with cardiac abnormalities or problems will be
included. Two hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: 220.

Study of the function of the different body systems relative to
exercise. Emphasis on scientific theories and principles underlying the
development of strength, endurance, flexibility and cardiovascular
endurance. Practical application of course content in terms of
conditioning and training. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO
101, 102, 207; CHM 101, 102, 201, 202; or permission. NSL

This course closely examines standards and guidelines underlying
operation of a fitness or sport facility. Topics may include risk
management; policy development; planning, organizing and evaluating
facilities; and marketing, budgeting and public relations in facilities.
The course will have a lab component that requires students to visit
several fitness or sport facilities.

This course is designed to improve students’ present levels of physical
fitness relative to muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility
and body composition through a carefully designed and monitored personal
weight training program. .5 credits

This course is designed to help students develop a fitness program based
upon personal goals, such as improving diet, losing weight, gaining
strength and improving muscular and/or cardiovascular endurance. Present
levels of fitness will be assessed and a program will be prescribed
based upon individual goals and personal assessments. .5 course credits

The first course of a two-semester, algebra- based sequence designed
primarily for students pursuing a premedical or science program. The
topics include mechanics, fluids, sound and thermodynamics. An emphasis
is placed on problem-solving and medical applications of physics. The
laboratory experiments serve to supplement and reinforce the lecture
topics. Prerequisite: MAT 110 or equivalent. Three hours lecture; three
hours laboratory. NSL.

Introduction to the science of behavior. Topics include the biological
foundations of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and memory,
motivation and emotion, development, personality and adjustment, and
social behavior. CC

Practical strategies for identifying and
resolving sources of conflict are presented. Students receive practical
training in mediation and the process consultation model. Skills
training is placed in the wider context of academic research on
mediation, conflict resolution and group processes. Major debates over
neutrality, intervention and the use of mediation vs. adjudication are
explored. Includes mandatory weekend workshop. Prerequisite: 120 or PSY
110 or permission. FT

Survey of psychological, environmental, cultural and socioeconomic
variables that influence communication. Definition of competent
communicators in a variety of situations. Exploration of appropriate
tools to alter communication behavior.

*Students who major in Exercise and Sport Science are exempt from ESS 224 Fitness for Life.

Student Learning Goals

Students in the Exercise and Sport Science major will demonstrate an understanding and application of the following:

Communication - Students will write and speak well in different contexts.

Critical thinking and problem solving - Students will gain the
knowledge to be able to design and implement health/fitness
interventions.

Integration and application of learning - Students will integrate learning in the Exercise Sport Science major.

To prepare students for careers in health/fitness industry and graduate programs in the allied health programs.

Certifications

ACSM Personal Trainer (cPT)Students may sit for the ACSM Personal Trainer Exam and can be
certified as an ACSM Personal Trainer. ACSM certified Personal Trainers
work with healthy individuals or persons with medical clearance to
exercise, to help them formulate and implement individual exercise
programs. They assist clients with goal setting, fitness evaluation,
effective methods of exercise and motivate them to begin and continue
healthy behaviors.

ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor (HFI)
Students who complete this track and certification are considered
“professionals qualified to assess, design, and implement individual and
group exercise and fitness programs for low risk individuals and
individuals with controlled disease. They would be skilled in evaluating
health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments,
writing appropriate exercise prescriptions, and motivating individuals
to modify negative health habits and maintain positive lifestyle
behaviors for health promotion.”